Bukayo Saka, Emile Smith Rowe: 5 players who could help Arsenal secure top-four in the Premier League (2021-22)

#3 Gabriel Martinelli

Gabriel Martinelli is finally living up to his potential for Arsenal this season. The Brazilian international missed the start of the campaign through injury but has come into his own in the last three months.

Playing on the left wing, the South American star has caused fear in the eyes of most Premier League defenders. His speed, non-stop pressing and lethal ability in the final third has proved of immense importance to the Gunners.

It also bodes well for Arteta to use Martinelli as a false nine or an out-and-out centre-forward. This allows Arsenal to experiment and approach different teams with different formations and tactics. The tantalizing attacker has four goals and two assists to his name in 14 Premier League appearances this term.

With a top 4 spot key to the current rebuild, Martinelli shall have to turn on the after-burners in the second half of the season to ensure UCL qualification.

#2 Aaron Ramsdale

Aaron Ramsdale could be in with a shout-out for the best Premier League signing of the season if he helps Arsenal qualify for the top 4 this term. Although he was brilliant at Bournemouth and Sheffield United, few believed he could create an impact at the Emirates.

But after just a couple of games at the start of the campaign, he replaced Bernd Leno as the starting goalkeeper. Since then, he has kept 10 clean sheets in 18 games, and is only behind Liverpool's Allison and Manchester City's Ederson.

All of this has been possible due to his acrobatic saves, brilliance in 1v1 scenarios and his handling of the ball. Arteta also likes his side to play the ball out from the back and Ramsdale has played a crucial role in facilitating the same.

The shot-stopper is a young and bustling goalkeeper and his clean sheets might just help Arsenal edge ahead in the top 4 race.

#1 Bukayo Saka

Bukayo Saka has been the main man for Arsenal this season and is arguably their most important player at the moment. Although he is only 20, the winger has become a leader for his side over the last couple of seasons, including the current Premier League campaign.

A massive threat on the right wing, Saka is technically gifted and has made his way past most defenders in the top-flight this term. Moreover, with the Gunners not playing in several competitions this season, the Englishman looks fresh and innovative on most days.

Additionally, the youngster is excellent in transitional play and often gets on the end of most counter-attacks. Had the strikers at the club been a little more clinical this season, the winger would have had more than his four assists. The English international has also scored six goals and been a huge help in the big games.

Saka is a generational talent in his own right and securing a top 4 finish for the Gunners this season will only elevate his status at the club.

About the author

Varun Pai is a sports content writer with a couple of years of experience in the sports industry. He is currently producing football listicles on a freelance basis.

Varun has graduated with a Bachelors degree in Accounting and Finance (BAF) and also completed his Diploma in Sports and Event Management recently.

An ardent sports fan, Varun is keen on delivering quality content consistently. He wants to establish himself in the fields of sports journalism, operations, and content management.

Favourite Teams: Chelsea– A True Blue Supporter!

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Edited by Diptanil